15 Best Castles in Scotland + Map (I've Been to 20+)

Scotland has thousands of castles and castle ruins, scattered across the country. But what are the best castles in Scotland to visit?

I personally love visiting castles — it feels like stepping into a fairytale or getting lost in a time long past. Touring a castle is a must while visiting Scotland.

And now that I live in Scotland, I’ve made it my mission to visit as many castles as possible. So far, I’ve been to over 20!

Even though there are thousands of castles in Scotland, only a few hundred are open to the public, and even less are worth visiting.

So which ones are they? Let’s get into my ranking (so far)!

Table of Contents Show

Quick Disclaimer About This Ranking (or Why Isn’t That One Castle on Here?)

I’ve only ranked the castles in Scotland that I’ve personally visited. There are still dozens more on my list to see (eventually).

I mean, Scotland has thousands of castles! It will take some time for me to see even a percentage of them.

If you have a favorite castle that is not yet on here, let me know in the comments!

Which Scottish castle should I visit next?

A person with long brown hair, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans, walks up a gravel path toward a large, historic castle with pointed towers and stone walls, surrounded by greenery and trees. — Dunrobin Castle

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a black coat and boots, stands smiling on a mossy path lined with trees, with a stone castle partially visible in the background. — Dunvegan Castle

How I’ve Ranked the Castles

Beauty and iconic-ness — Is this a castle that stuns on first glance? Is it one that is so beautiful it’s made its rounds on the Internet, becoming an icon of Scotland?

History and importance to Scottish culture — How old is this castle? What part has it played in Scottish history? How Scottish are its architecture and design?

Gardens or unique features — What is unique about this castle? Does it have lush gardens, interesting lore, or anything special about it?

Vibes and feelings — Lastly, how does it feel to visit this castle? What are the vibes?

A woman with long dark hair walks along a garden path lined with colorful flowers and greenery, with a large historic castle-like building in the background. — Abbotsford (aka the Conundrum Castle)

Map of Best Scottish Castles

Rating the Castles in Scotland: Which Are Worth Visiting?

You may notice that I’ve given a 9/10 or 10/10 to most of the castles, but I mean, I love castles — why rank them lower? These are the best, after all!

I have ordered them from best to “worst,” in my personal (very biased) opinion.

1. Eilean Donan Castle

Rating: 10/10
Biggest draws: A castle on an island, filming location
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 20th century
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s easiest to join a group tour to see Eilean Donan Castle.
Recommended group tour: Timberbush Tours’ Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan 2-Day Tour From Edinburgh

I thought long and hard about what would be my top-ranked Scottish castle, and I had to give it to Eilean Donan.

It’s iconic, it’s beautiful, and, though it was more recently built, its location has a long history.

A castle or fortification of some sort has been in this location, on this little island, since the 13th century, and it’s now one of the most photographed castles in the world.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Eilean Donan Castle from my post, “Is It Worth Going Inside Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland?“

A historic stone castle stands on a small island, connected to the mainland by an arched stone bridge, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background and rocky shoreline in the foreground. — Eilean Donan Castle

A historic stone castle stands on a grassy hill by the water, with a Scottish flag flying nearby and forested hills rising in the background under an overcast sky. — Eilean Donan Castle

2. Blair Castle

Rating: 10/10
Biggest draws: Scottish Baronial style castle, autumn wonderland
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 13th century
Get there on own or with group tour? You can visit Blair Castle on your own by train or join a group tour.
Recommended group tour: Heart of Scotland Tours’ Best of Scotland Small-Group Day Tour

Blair Castle is a 750-year-old castle, home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries.

This castle just feels Scottish.

And while the castle is interesting, the real star of visiting Blair Castle is its incredible gardens and woodlands.

You’ll see sheep and hairy coos grazing in the fields, golden leaves falling from the trees, and a walled garden that is too stunning for words.

P.S. Blair Castle is absolutely amazing in the fall, an autumn wonderland. I visited in October, and it fulfilled all my autumn Scottish dreams.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Blair Castle from my post, “Day Trip to Blair Castle in Scotland, an Autumn Wonderland.”

the front of Blair Castle, a white-washed castle in Scots baronial style — Blair Castle

girl standing in the middle of a leaf-littered pathway with golden autumn trees lining one side and a fence lining the other — Blair Castle

3. Edinburgh Castle

Rating: 10/10
Biggest draws: In the middle of the city, amazing views of Edinburgh
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 12th century
Get there on own or with group tour? You can easily visit Edinburgh Castle on your own or join a guided walking tour to learn even more.

Edinburgh Castle has to be at the top of the list. It’s the most iconic, most well known Scottish castle. It was also the first one I visited when I landed in Edinburgh all those years ago.

Edinburgh Castle sits on a hill, looming above the city. You can see it from Princes Street, Old Town, and various other places around Edinburgh. It is centuries old, and the history that happened in the castle is simply fascinating.

Plus, the views from Edinburgh Castle are jaw dropping.

Get your tickets ahead of time as they often sell out.

Better yet — take a guided tour of the castle to learn even more about the castle’s history.

Learn more about Edinburgh Castle from my post, “18 Best Views of Edinburgh Castle: From the Vennel to Cafe Windows.”

Edinburgh Castle sits atop a rocky hill, surrounded by trees, with a decorative turquoise fountain in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky. — Edinburgh Castle

View from a stone wall overlooking a cityscape with historic buildings, greenery, and a partly cloudy sky in the background. — View from atop Edinburgh Castle

author, a young woman, standing in the Vennel, looking out to Edinburgh Castle — The Vennel, view of Edinburgh Castle

4. Dunvegan Castle

Rating: 10/10
Biggest draws: Fairy flag, fairy lore, historic
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 13th century
Get there on own or with group tour? You can visit on your own while in the Isle of Skye or join a group tour.
Recommended group tour: Timberbush Tours’ Inverness: 2-day Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools & Castles Tour

Dunvegan Castle is famous for its historical significance on the Isle of Skye, its beautiful architecture, and its Fairy Flag and fairy lore.

I’ve ranked it so high on my list of best castles because of the way it feels when you’re there.

It’s magical. As if fairies will greet you in the flowers or a ghost will pop out of the dungeon.

There’s so much real-life history here, too — this castle has seen some famous visitors such as Bonnie Prince Charlie (and even has a lock of his hair on display!).

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Dunvegan Castle from my post, “Guide to Visiting Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye.”

Two women in dark coats stand on a gravel path leading to a large stone castle with towers, battlements, and a flag on top. Trees and bushes line the path, and a few people are in the background near the castle. — Dunvegan Castle

The framed Fairy Flag in the drawing room in Dunvegan Castle on Skye — Fairy Flag, Dunvegan Castle

Flowers near Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye — Dunvegan Castle

5. Dunnottar Castle

Rating: 10/10
Biggest draws: Coastal cliffs, views
Ruin or preserved castle? Ruins
Year(s) built: 14th century
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either visit on your on or join a group tour.
Recommended group tour: Rabbie’s Dunnottar Castle and Cairngorms Day Trip

Dunnottar Castle sits on the edge of dramatic cliffs, where you’ll find incredible views of the ocean. It’s truly stunning.

From far away, Dunnottar Castle might seem like just a pile of ruins, but there’s actually more to it than you can see from the road.

Several structures are still standing, and the drawing room is even fully restored.

I was blown away by this castle and think it’s one every visitor to Scotland should add to their itinerary.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Dunnottar Castle from my post, “Is It Worth Going Inside Dunnottar Castle in Scotland?“

A narrow path with wooden railings leads to the ruins of a medieval castle perched on a grassy cliff overlooking the calm blue sea under a partly cloudy sky. — Dunnottar Castle

A person with long hair and a brown backpack stands by a wooden fence, looking at the ruins of a cliffside castle overlooking the sea under a cloudy sky. — Dunnottar Castle

6. Abbotsford (the Conundrum Castle)

Rating: 10/10
Biggest draws: Home of a famous author, elaborate gardens
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 19th century
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to visit Abbotsford on your own via train.

Okay, okay, Abbotsford isn’t technically a castle, it’s an elaborate country estate.

But, I mean, just look at it. It’s the most castle-looking home I’ve ever seen. Plus, it’s been nicknamed the Conundrum Castle, so in that way, it is a castle.

Abbotsford was the home of Sir Walter Scott, the best-selling Scottish author of his time.

Even if you’ve never read one of Sir Walter Scott’s books, the most famous being Ivanhoe and Rob Roy, you’ll get so much out of a visit to his estate.

Abbotsford is only an hour from Edinburgh by train, near the Scottish Borders, but it’s well worth the journey to this truly enchanting place.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Abbotsford from my post, “Day Trip to Abbotsford House in Melrose Scotland.”

A person with long dark hair stands on a garden path, facing a large, historic castle surrounded by colorful autumn trees and flower beds under a cloudy sky. Rolling hills stretch out in the background. — Abbotsford

A person walks on a grassy lawn in front of a large, historic stone castle with towers and chimneys, surrounded by trees and wooden fencing on an overcast day. — Abbotsford

7. Glamis Castle

Rating: 9/10
Biggest draws: Most haunted castle, childhood home of the queen mother
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 15th century
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to visit Glamis Castle on your own via a train to Dundee.

Glamis Castle intrigued me with its stories of ghosts and vampires (seriously) — and my visit did not disappoint. (I sat in a famous ghost’s chair…)

With a reported 72 ghosts, Glamis Castle has had a lot of paranormal activity. There’s been many ghost sightings throughout the years, some creepier than others.

And did you know there’s even a crypt with suits of armour, prison cells, and hooks on the ceiling?

Glamis Castle was one of the more interesting castles I’ve visited in Scotland, the tour will definitely keep you entertained.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Glamis Castle from my post, “How to Visit Glamis Castle in Scotland.”

A woman walks across a large, green lawn toward a historic, multi-towered stone castle under a clear blue sky. — Glamis Castle

8. Dunrobin Castle

Rating: 9/10
Biggest draws: Fairytale chateau
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 14th century
Get there on own or with group tour? You can visit Dunrobin Castle on your own from Inverness or join a group tour.
Recommended group tour: Rabbie’s From Inverness: Dunrobin Castle and Easter Ross Day Trip

Dunrobin Castle is a gorgeous castle in the Scottish Highlands, about an hour’s drive from Inverness.

Dunrobin Castle appears to be the perfect fairytale chateau, but lo and behold — there is darkness lurking in its history.

The first Duke and Duchess of Sutherland evicted about 15,000 people during the Highland Clearances in order to use the land for more profitable ventures, such as farming.

With the money made doing this, Dunrobin Castle expanded to the castle it is today, nearly tripling in size.

Dunrobin is a beauty, but that beauty came at a cost.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Dunrobin Castle from my post, “Day Trip from Inverness to Dunrobin Castle (and Dornoch).”

A grand white stone castle with multiple turrets sits on a hill, surrounded by lush green gardens, hedges, and trellises under a cloudy sky. Paths and stone walls lead up to the historic building. — Dunrobin Castle

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a black top and jeans, stands at a stone balcony overlooking an ornate formal garden with geometric hedges, topiary, and a central fountain near the coastline. — Dunrobin Castle

9. Stirling Castle

Rating: 9/10
Biggest draws: Historically important, epic views
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 12th century
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via train or join a group tour that will visit Stirling Castle.
Recommended group tour: Timberbush’s Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour

Stirling Castle is one of the most historically important castles in Scotland and was the most used royal residence before Scotland united with England.

The castle sits between the Highlands and the Lowlands and has seen its share of epic battles. It’s been said that whoever held Stirling held the key to Scotland.

Stirling Castle sits up on a hill, overlooking the city of Stirling, and has incredible views you have to see.

Visiting Stirling Castle was one of my favorite day trips in Scotland, so of course it has to be in the top 10.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Stirling Castle from my post, “Day Trip to Stirling Castle in Scotland.”

A person stands on a stone walkway next to an old stone building, overlooking a town, fields, and distant mountains under a bright blue sky. — Stirling Castle

10. Drummond Castle

Rating: 9/10
Biggest draws: Beautiful ornate garden, Outlander filming location
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 15th century
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to visit Drummond Castle Gardens on your own, either by car or public transportation.

I’m a sucker for gardens, and the garden at Drummond Castle is just jaw-dropping.

While you can stroll around the gardens to your heart’s content, the castle is not open to the public (a bummer, I know).

However, there is so much to see in the gardens that it’s still well worth a visit. Plus, you are able to go inside the oldest tower and admire the castle from the outside, so it’s not all lost.

Whether you are an Outlander fan (yes, scenes were filmed here) or just a fan of elaborate gardens, you need to add Drummond Castle Gardens to your Scotland itinerary.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Drummond Castle from my post, “Day Trip to Drummond Castle Gardens in Scotland.”

a girl standing in an archway that frames Drummond Castle behind her — Drummond Castle

a girl climbing the steps with a view of Drummond Castle Gardens in the background — Drummond Castle

11. Palace of Holyroodhouse

Rating: 9/10
Biggest draws: Current royal residence, historic, in the middle of the city
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 17th century
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to visit Palace of Holyroodhouse on your own.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official royal residence whenever the reigning monarch is visiting Scotland.

If you take a tour, you’ll walk through quite a bit of the castle, nearly everything on the first floor as well as a few rooms on the ground floor, including Mary Queen of Scots’ suites and the rooms where Queen Elizabeth II entertained world leaders.

It’s a much different visiting experience than Edinburgh Castle. So don’t miss the Palace of Holyroodhouse while in Edinburgh!

Two women stand and smile in front of an ornate, historic stone building with several windows and turrets. Other people are scattered around the open courtyard under an overcast sky. — Palace of Holyroodhouse

A formal dining room with a polished wooden table set with glassware and silverware, ornate chairs, large windows with drapes, and two large portraits of women in formal attire hanging on green walls. — Palace of Holyroodhouse

A luxurious room with ornate wall tapestries, a decorative harp, three red velvet chairs, blue and white vases on a wooden cabinet, and a gold chandelier hanging from the detailed ceiling. — Palace of Holyroodhouse

12. Blackness Castle

Rating: 9/10
Biggest draws: Location near the ocean, shaped like a ship, Outlander filming location
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 15th century
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to join a group tour that will visit Blackness Castle.
Recommended group tour: Rabbie’s Outlander Adventure Day Tour

While Blackness Castle is famous for being an Outlander filming location, it has so much more to it.

This castle is shaped like a ship (called the “ship that never sailed”). It has an incredible great hall and views of the Firth of Forth.

It’s well worth a visit! I really enjoyed learning about the history and walking around the different rooms and towers in the castle.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Blackness Castle from my post, “Best Outlander Tour in Scotland: Which Sites Are Worth Seeing?“

A woman with long brown hair and glasses stands smiling on a wooden boardwalk by a stone castle, with the sea, rocky shore, and historic buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky. — Blackness Castle

A historic stone castle stands on a grassy field near water, with an informational sign in the foreground titled “The Ship That Never Sailed” featuring illustrations and text about the site’s history. — Blackness Castle

13. Linlithgow Palace

Rating: 9/10
Biggest draws: Historical palace ruin, beautiful loch, charming town
Ruin or preserved castle? Ruin
Year(s) built: 15th century
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via train or join a group tour that will visit Linlithgow Palace.
Recommended group tour: Rabbie’s Outlander Adventure Day Tour

Linlithgow Palace is a fascinating and huge ruin, and, most famously, it’s the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

Nearby, you’ll find Linlithgow Loch, which has a beautiful 2.5-mile pathway encircling it as well as the gorgeous, gothic St Michael’s Parish Church.

I went on Rabbie’s Outlander Adventure Day Tour, and Linlithgow was our lunch stop.

However, Linlithgow is easily accessible from Edinburgh by train, so I was able to return another day on my own, where I spent 4.5 hours exploring the palace, loch, and town.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Linlithgow Palace from my post, “Best Outlander Tour in Scotland: Which Sites Are Worth Seeing?“

A large, historic castle with scaffolding on part of its walls stands on a grassy hill beside a calm lake, with clear blue sky and tree branches framing the scene. — Linlithgow Palace

14. Hopetoun House

Rating: 8/10
Biggest draws: Historic grand estate, gardens, Outlander filming location
Ruin or preserved castle? Preserved
Year(s) built: 17th century
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via train/taxi or join a group tour that will visit Hopetoun House.
Recommended group tour: Highland Experience Tours’ 1-Day Outlander Experience with Attractions

I find it strange Hopetoun is called a house and not a palace because it’s very grand indeed. I mean, some of the rooms are just stunning — I spent a good half hour staring at the staircase alone.

So we’re gonna leave it on this list of castles because it has no right calling itself a house.

Hopetoun House is the home of the aristocratic Hope family, so if you’re curious to see how the 1% live, this is your chance.

I wandered around Hopetoun House one day from opening until closing time and enjoyed exploring this Scottish home and Outlander filming location.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Hopetoun House from my post, “Day Trip to Hopetoun House from Edinburgh (Is It Worth It?)“

A person with long hair stands by a pond, gazing at a grand historic mansion with symmetrical architecture, reflected in the water. The large lawn and cloudy sky create a serene atmosphere. — Hopetoun House

15. Craigmillar Castle

Rating: 7/10
Biggest draws: Historic castle ruin, Outlander filming location
Ruin or preserved castle? Ruin
Year(s) built: 14th century
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to visit Craigmillar Castle on your own via public transportation.

Is it worth venturing to the outskirts of Edinburgh to visit Craigmillar Castle? This ruined medieval castle holds a lot of history and many surprises.

While a ruin, Craigmillar Castle reaches four stories in some sections and has a lot of rooms to explore.

From the underground prison to the stunning great hall, you could easily spend a few hours getting lost in this castle.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Craigmillar Castle from my post, “Day Trip to Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh Scotland.”

girl standing in the grass in front of Craigmillar Castle — Craigmillar Castle

girl leaning against the doorway that leads to the courtyard of Craigmillar Castle — Craigmillar Castle

girl looking out a window at the top of Craigmillar Castle — Craigmillar Castle

Honorable Mentions That Didn’t Quite Make the List

I’ve visited the following castles but don’t consider them the best that Scotland has to offer.

I mean, there are so many! It’s tough competition.

However, I did enjoy my time at each of these and would recommend visiting if you’re in the area.

Lauriston Castle
Doune Castle
Callendar House
Midhope Castle

A person stands on cut tree trunks in a sunlit, leafy forest clearing, facing Lauriston Castle, a large, historic stone building with tall chimneys in the background. Autumn leaves cover the ground. — Lauriston Castle

A person stands on a leaf-covered path leading to a large, castle-like building with pointed towers, Callendar House, surrounded by bare trees and greenery on an overcast day. — Callendar House

Some Scottish Castle Superlatives

Here’s a quick list of some of my favorite castles in Scotland for various reasons:

Best castle ruins in Scotland? Dunnottar Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Craigmillar Castle

Best Scottish castles near water? Eilean Donan Castle, Dunnottar Castle, Dunrobin Castle, Dunvegan Castle, Lauriston Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Hopetoun House

Scottish castles with the best gardens? Drummond Castle, Blair Castle, Dunrobin Castle, Dunvegan Castle, Abbotsford, Lauriston Castle, Glamis Castle

Best overall Scottish castles? A tough question! I’ll say Eilean Donan Castle for its striking beauty and Blair Castle for its gardens and Scottish history.

girl walking on a short wall in front of a castle — Craigmillar Castle

Recommended Group Tours to See the Best Castles in Scotland

Edinburgh Departures

1 Day: Heart of Scotland Tours’ Best of Scotland Small-Group Day Tour — Blair Castle

1 Day: Rabbie’s West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour — Doune Castle, Inverary Castle

1 Day: Highland Experience Tours’ Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey Tour — Stirling Castle, Dunfermline Palace

2 Days: Timberbush Tours’ Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan 2-Day Tour — Eilean Donan Castle

4 Days: Rabbie’s Scottish Highlands 4-Day Castle Tour — Blair Castle, Falkland Palace, Castle Fraser, Crathes Castle, Fyvie Castle

Inverness Departures

1 Day: Rabbie’s From Inverness: Dunrobin Castle and Easter Ross Day Trip — Dunrobin Castle

2 Days: Timberbush Tours’ Inverness: 2-day Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools & Castles Tour — Dunvegan Castle, Eilean Donan Castle

What to Pack to Visit Scotland

Warm, waterproof wear

If you’re visiting Scotland during its cold and rainy season (almost every month of the year besides a few weeks in summer), you should definitely bring a warm waterproof jacket and waterproof walking boots.

This waterproof jacket and these waterproof boots I took with me to Scotland helped us explore no matter the weather. We walked around Edinburgh in the rain and snow, during foggy mornings and chilly evenings, and enjoyed it all. Be prepared for rainy weather, and dress for it, so you don’t miss out.
Also consider bringing fleece-lined leggings — I loved this pair I packed!

Favorite travel essentials

I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.

15 Best Castles in Scotland + Map (I’ve Been to 20+)